Ji Sihou looked at him with a tender expression, full of hope and affection. “We’ve been separated for so many years. Is this how you speak to your mother upon our first meeting?”
Ji Bozai stepped back half a pace, shaking off her hand. “Not everyone is as foolish as Ming Xian. To me, you’re just the Sihou of another city. Please show some self-respect.”
The words “Sihou of another city” caused the Grand Master’s face to darken. “What do you mean by that? Since you’re of Chaoyang bloodline…”
“What wasn’t valued then needn’t be valued now,” Ji Bozai chuckled lightly. “We came today merely to pay respects to the Grand Master of Chaoyang and declare our intention to participate in Chaoyang City’s competition in August. What else has this to do with our Muxing team?”
Everyone was shocked, rising to their feet. “You’re from Chaoyang City, how can you serve Muxing City?”
“Indeed, this is tantamount to betraying the city.”
“This won’t do, this won’t do. We must persuade him further.”
Qin Shangwu, who had been holding his tongue, finally couldn’t contain himself. He said angrily, “Although Chaoyang is one of the top three cities, this is too much! First, your city’s envoy deliberately burned down my disciple’s residence, attempting murder. Now you claim he’s of Chaoyang bloodline. All your talk is just because you see my disciple’s strong Yuan Power and want to keep him in Chaoyang City, isn’t it?”
“Competing for Fighters is common among the six cities, each with their methods. But I’ve never seen a city like Chaoyang, so reckless and shameless. This will certainly open the eyes of the other four cities when word gets out!”
“Master Qin, please calm down. This is Chaoyang’s internal affair,” the Grand Master frowned, then couldn’t help but turn to ask She Tianlin, “What’s this about an envoy attempting murder?”
She Tianlin bowed and said deliberately, “Lord Dan, for some reason, when he went to Muxing City before, specifically took Prince Yong to set fire to Ji’s residence. I saw it myself; Ji Bozai was close to perishing in the flames. Later, when the true culprit was discovered, we didn’t give Muxing City any explanation, just compensated with some offerings. Understandably, Master Qin holds a grudge.”
He spoke casually, as if an onlooker, but the Grand Master was furious upon hearing this. “There was such an incident?!”
Having abandoned him in the first place, then traveling a thousand miles to attempt murder – forget Ji Bozai, even he wouldn’t acknowledge such a mother city if it were him.
Glaring fiercely at Prince Yong and Dan Er beside him, the Grand Master coughed lightly, swept his gaze over the chaotic great hall, and suddenly clutched his forehead.
“Your Majesty?” The Celestial Official standing nearby quickly said, “Quickly, help His Majesty rest!”
“But what about…” Consort Meng pointed at Ji Sihou and Ming An, who were yet to be dealt with.
The Celestial Official waved his hand. “His Majesty’s health is paramount. Confine Ji Sihou to her palace chambers for now, send Ming An back to the imperial prison, and invite the rest of the Muxing people to stay at Fanghua Mansion in the inner court.”
Ming Yi frowned. “According to protocol, Muxing’s people should stay at the outer inn.”
“Oh, let’s not worry about protocols at a time like this,” the Celestial Official waved dismissively. “We’re all family here.”
With that, he hurriedly escorted the Grand Master away, leaving Qin Shangwu no chance to protest.
Qin Shangwu was furious but helpless. They were already in the inner court; it wouldn’t be appropriate to force their way out.
As Ming An was held by guards, he glanced at Ming Yi and smiled. “This child of yours should learn from him. Then you wouldn’t have so many troubles.”
Ming Yi was too sentimental, constrained by blood ties and old friendships, and unable to move freely. Unlike Ji Bozai, who was cold-blooded and put no one in his eyes, making him capable of great deeds.
She frowned, looking at the guards holding him, her fingers twitching slightly.
“After all these years, I deserve this punishment,” Ming An noticed her intentions and shook his head. “Apart from sparing you twice, I’ve shown you no other care. Don’t concern yourself too much with me.”
Ming Yi was stunned, suddenly understanding.
All these years, Ming An never spoke more than necessary to her. Was he waiting for this day to distance himself from her, to prevent her from worrying too much?
But don’t all people want to live? Why didn’t he want to survive?
“Move!” A guard pushed him. Ming An didn’t look at her again as he left the hall.
As the farce came to an end, the crowd dispersed. But from today, Ji Bozai’s identity would likely spread throughout Chaoyang City, even across the entire Qingyun Realm.
Qin Shangwu was very worried. On his way into Fanghua Mansion, he sighed seventy-nine times.
Luo Jiaoyang was also a bit melancholic. He tugged at Ming Yi’s sleeve. “Will you and Ji Bozai return to Chaoyang City?”
Ming Yi raised an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?”
“After all, his parents are here, and blood is thicker than water. Compared to having to win countless competitions for Muxing City to become the heir, he could directly become the heir in Chaoyang. Even a fool would know how to choose.”
Ming Yi looked up, her gaze meeting Ji Bozai’s. Somehow, with just that glance, she understood what Ji Bozai was thinking.
She smiled lightly and answered Luo Jiaoyang, “What a fool would choose isn’t interesting. Rather than being used by others, he and I now have plenty of paths to choose from.”
Hearing this, Qin Shangwu immediately turned around, so abruptly that he almost twisted his neck. He groaned, clutching his neck, and anxiously looked at them. “You two… you’re not going to join Chaoyang City?”
“I don’t know about him, but for me, there’s no reason to stay in this place anymore,” Ming Yi lowered her eyes.
Ji Bozai snorted a laugh. “Chaoyang City is already powerful. What’s the point of winning here? People would say it’s relying on past victories. Our Muxing, weak and poor as it is, would be truly interesting if we could win.”
Qin Shangwu heaved a great sigh of relief but then frowned. “You brat, who are you calling weak and poor? Our Muxing is frugal and self-reliant!”
“Oh.”
Turning to Ming Yi, Qin Shangwu regarded her with both respect and pity. “I thought Ming Xian was living a glorious life, who knew you were also a child of misfortune? Don’t worry, as long as you’re willing to stay in our Muxing City, I’ll tell the Grand Master to give you the most generous salary.”
Chu He poked his head out. “I want a higher salary too.”
Qin Shangwu flicked his forehead and glared. “Then will you pay for your divine weapon modifications yourself in the future?”
The cost of modifying divine weapons was even higher than salaries. Chu He silently withdrew his head.
Ming Yi smiled and pointed at Fanghua Mansion ahead. “It’s quiet here, and there are many high-grade crystals in the courtyard for cultivation. Go take a look.”
Hearing about high-grade crystals, Luo Jiaoyang and the others immediately rushed in. Qin Shangwu wanted to maintain his dignity, but curiosity got the better of him. As he walked, his pace quickened, and he too rushed to the back courtyard.
Ming Yi stopped at the doorway, lowering her eyes to look at the sky-blue hem of the person beside her. After a long silence, she said with some difficulty, “I’m sorry.”